wader repair - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

Goose · 02-28-2003, 10:16 AM

What started as a wet foot ended up being a wet leg.......I've used these for three seasons and beleive I can get another three with repairs along the way. After filling them up with water at home I pin pointed the leak(where the soul meets the rubber boot)....someone suggested trying crazy glue, it slowed it down but didn't take long to open up again. I'm thinkin bout cutting off 1/2" of yellow soul and filling that area in with some sort of cement. I'ld appreciate any suggestions Thanks

match marks the spot.

Krispy · 02-28-2003, 10:26 AM

I would try some 3M 5200 on there. Its a super strong marine caulking

hooked · 02-28-2003, 10:34 AM

I'd also suggest applying a small patch overlapping the area with the hole rather than just trying to plug it. If that part of the boot flexes as you walk, a hard plug may not last.

I've used Aquaseal and Iron-Mend over the years to repair the seams of my wetsuits and booties. Not sure if it would adhere to this material but these products seem to stay flexible.

fishsmith · 02-28-2003, 10:44 AM

I 2nd Krispy's idea, or any silcone.

STEVE IN MASS · 02-28-2003, 10:45 AM

Actually, for the spot it is in, ya might wanna find an old fashion Shoe Repair shop and see what they think. They could probably fix ya up for about $5........a tube of sealant would cost ya close to that much.

macojoe · 02-28-2003, 12:23 PM

I have bought them all!!! And I go thur a pair a season out on the Cohog grant maybe 2 seasons if I am real lucky!. Once they leak they will always leak!! I have tryed to fix every pair I have owned for the past 10 years and never have found anything that works permnet. Sorry

Good Luck Macojoe

Fishpart · 02-28-2003, 01:20 PM

I have patched vulcanized rubber waders with Sportsmans Goop, it is the same stuff as Household Goop and Shoo Goo and virtually the same as Aqua Seal. You need to clean the area well with Laquer Thinner, you can thin the Goop with Laquer Thinner to get it to flow in a little. After letting them dry over night, put a skim coat over the top.

You should be able to get Aquaseal and thinner called Cotal 240 at a dive shop, I have a Dry suit repair video that tells you to thin the Aqualseal as well as using Cotal to clean the area before you start.

Super Glue is strong, but not flexible. Same with epoxies.

IFG · 02-28-2003, 08:04 PM

I am a fire-fighter and I use neoprene waders for flats fishing and in the surf I have never punctured my neoprenes but i have punctured my bunker boots tons of times i used 3M like advised above along with a light expoxy coated with silicone be sure to seal the entire boot sole on both inside and outside.

jpsurf · 02-28-2003, 08:30 PM

I've used Aqua seal.Just load it up werever you think its leakin.Who cares what it looks like.
You outta be happy they lasted that long.1 season alls I get.Try the Orvis breathables.Just gotta send em back.

BEETLE · 02-28-2003, 09:44 PM

I have heard the Sportsmens Goop is good stuff as well

Goose · 03-01-2003, 04:14 PM

thanks very much everybody

NIB · 03-01-2003, 08:37 PM

Sometimes when I'm tired I pee in my waders so a wet foot dosen't really bother me.

Katie · 03-01-2003, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NIB
Sometimes when I'm tired I pee in my waders so a wet foot dosen't really bother me.

'

disquesting... lol...

Goose. why don't you try a bunch of silcone,crazy glue and then some super glue.. that has to hold the water out.. if it doesn't i dunno what to say.. :-)

bloocrab · 03-01-2003, 11:37 PM

...Goose

..try a Heat Gun.

Apply the heat to the area in question, when the area is workable...use one of your many tools to work it over.

Kind of like clay...try and get it to bond, just don't weaken a new spot.

...

JUST BUY SOME NEW ONES- if it ain't this hole this week, it'll be that hole next week -

...

Quote:

Once they leak they will always leak!!